I am Worthy!
When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)
How many times have we trampled on someone else’s kindness? I know that I do and it’s usually unintentional. It generally happens due to my frame of mind or unmet expectations. Then I drive the celebration into the ditch. Ericka Loynes (Mornings with Jesus) tells us an interesting story of how Jesus deemed her worthy.
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A few years ago, my husband and son bought me a standing desk as a Mother’s Day/birthday gift. What I had before was an old table that sagged in the middle from years of use. The promise of a new standing desk was an unexpected treat. I felt so special, and I was excited to receive the gift.
I haven’t always accepted gifts so freely. My first birthday gift from my husband is a prime example. When I arrived home after work, I was greeted by a brand-new PalmPilot. It was beautiful and already charged and programmed by my tech-savvy husband. I was delighted, as he had remembered that I wanted to buy myself one to celebrate my promotion, but feelings of unworthiness had slipped in. Instead of graciously accepting what I really wanted, I got overwhelmed thinking about how much the gift cost and how I didn’t deserve it. In just minutes, I soured my celebration and trampled over my husband’s kindness.
It’s still hard for me to receive gifts, sometimes, if I don’t feel worthy. Ironically, Jesus’s gift of salvation is given to me because I am unworthy. I’ve done nothing in my past to deserve His kindness, and there’s nothing I can do now or in the future to deserve it.
Yes, I am totally unworthy. Nevertheless, every day, Jesus deems me worthy—not because of my worthiness but because of His.
FAITH STEP: On a sheet of paper, write or type the words “You are worthy” and then sign it “From: Jesus.”
Loving Lord, thank You for loving us even when we are not always loveable. Please teach us how to accept gifts freely—especially from You. AMEN.